Abstract: In 2009, the French government has decided to create a technology platform for marine renewable energies. This project is presented with its focused objectives and its principles: to enhance research and development for the most promising technologies, in response to the fast-track industry needs.

The main structure of the platform is explained, some milestones are described and the budget line is exposed. These plans rely on the interaction of three poles: a multidisciplinary research kernel, a set of test sites in adequate locations for the various energy resources and recovery technologies, a resource centre offering services and expertise directed to the expansion of the sector. This initiative is obviously open to European collaboration.